What is Synodality, and what are we to make of the "Synodal Way" and "The Synod on Synodality?"

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That is a loaded term. That could mean anything from implementing greeters at the entrances to watering down the Faith so much that it becomes no different than the non-denominational Church down the street.

Again, what does this mean? When I visit my brother in the small-hick-town where he lives, everyone in that Church looks like they are related (Amish-looking) and it creeps me out a bit if I’m being honest. But, that has more to do with demographics than it does with anything that the Church is doing or not doing. A lot of these members of this Church simply are related in some way or another. Plus, when a lot of Catholics migrated to the United State, they settled in certain areas.

But, I suspect that that individuals who said that is a political social justice warrior and what they meant by the comment was more virtue-signaling than anything.

Right. That’s what I was saying about demographics.

And how was that received? Did you get any pushback?

That’s great!

Was that something that was done in public or in private? It seems to me that it would be more meaningful in private, but maybe not?

Can we call it something other than a listening session? It sounds so effeminate. Which may be why men do not want to participate in these things. Oh wait, they do, it is called the “Synodal way” :roll_eyes:

That was good :joy: Thank you for that :slightly_smiling_face:

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I am sure that the bishop’s listening sessions with victims of clergy sexual abuse have been private.

To me “listening session” was not a bad name. I think that our priests maybe led a prayer and then let people talk. One of the parish staff took notes. I went not only to say what was on my mind but also to listen to what others had to say. Also, as a volunteer hospital chaplain, a lot of what I did was listening.

Yes, the other comments I mentioned sounded shallow, but I am sure there were others with more substance. Aside from the person saying, “I don’t look like you,” I don’t recall anyone disputing anyone else’s comments. Nobody was rude, as far as I remember. I imagine that any rudeness would have been cut off, but people were free to talk in cliches, and I think that even they were there because they cared.

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I found the Arlington (Virginia) synthesis of the 2022 listening sessions online at https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/media-files/uploadedImages/CDA/Assets/PDF/Communications/2022%20Diocesan%20of%20Arlington%20Synodal%20Synthesis%20Report_English.pdf

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The intent of this process is to completely change the Catholic Church.

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Hmmmmm…not sure what to think about that…

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I agree! And not for the better.

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You are referring to the traditional usage of Synodality, which has its limitations. The synodality that Pope Francis was hoping to introduce was somewhat more inclusive. Rules can be set who that hot button issues do not have to be discussed. However there is need for an educated Laity to be involved in the listening process of Church teaching, which is being avoided for no clear reason.

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Respectfully, this says more about you than it does about men in general.

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Right. Inclusive of even more perversion. That is not what we need more of. That is what we need less of.

The “get with the times” crowd need to just go find a Protestant Church that agrees with them or go plant their own non-Denominational Church (which is pretty popular these days).

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Here we go. And what does your Psych 101 class have to say about me?

Modern Psychology is wrecking our youth! Mental illness is worse today than ever in our life time.

And they think “inclusion,” “equity,” and more online community will remedy this? Talking for hours and hours about [y]our “trauma” is not working! And what many young people call “trauma” is far from what I would define as trauma.

Everyone is quick to call others “narcissistic” and use words like “gas lighting” and “my truth,” but the truth is that yes, some individuals are narcissistic, but not everyone you don’t get along with is.

Sorry that I went off on a tangent there, but I am tired of this nonsense seeping into the Church. If you want lukewarm Christianity, then go join the United Methodist Church, ELCA, or PCUSA. They pride themselves on being super inclusive.

Respectfully ; )

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For a clearer understanding we should start with a little reflection

“Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly." (1 Peter 5:12-13).

When we are considering something new we need to have open minds. Imagine the task ahead of them when the Apostles departed from the scene of Christ’s Assumption. He was a fisherman by profession, given the task of leading a new church.

As long as we depend upon the Holy Spirit convening Church Communities in the principles of Human Dignity, Subsidiarity and Synodality we will be properly directed in what we need to know, how we must conduct ourselves and what purpose we have before us. It is the oldest view, the same view that Paul faced when he began his journey.

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Listening is something Christ perfected. It is a manly virtue. Some examples.

Mark 10:46

John 4:1

Luke 24:13

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How open are you talking? Joseph Smith claimed God was restoring the Church through him? Should I be open minded and believe his claims? There are many NAR movements becoming popular within Protestantism. In fact, the lead singer of the Christian rock band Skillet and his Wife (also a member of the band) came out about their experience in one of these types of Charismatic Movements where they have modern prophets and “apostles.”

G.K. Chesterton wrote, “Merely having an open mind is nothing. The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.”

He also penned, “Do not be so open-minded that your brains fall out.”

Peter Kreeft said, “An open mind is not an end in itself but a means to the end of finding truth.”

Again, the NAR movement claims to be led by the Holy Spirit. They are all about the Holy Spirit.

I agree in the principles of human dignity, and yet, I do not agree with what some view this ought to look like in practice. Affirming an individual in their delusion is not charitable.

I agree with subsidiarity, until it goes beyond what is true, good & beautiful.

I think synodality has become a loaded word. And for this reason, I would rather avoid it all together. It is a bottom up push for what someone wishes the Church would change about herself. It is less about making the church in God’s image, but rather the church in man’s image.

If those of perversion tell you “what you need to know, how to conduct yourself, and what purpose you have before them,” then I would argue that the opposite is true.

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I’m listening…

In this example, the man was seeking mercy. Those who want to change the Church’s teaching on matters of faith and morals are not seeking mercy. In fact, I would argue that these individuals are filled with pride.

Physically, the man wanted to see, which led to the man spiritually seeking The Truth.

Jesus spoke truth to the Samaritan woman who came to draw water at the well. He did not speak what is popular or whatever the current political push was at that moment in time. In fact, he called out her sins. He did not affirm her in them. I believe that women was changed that day! “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”

She is not the same as those who want to change the Church either. So far, your examples are not convincing. But, let’s look at your next one.

The two men walking towards Emmaus were disciples of Jesus, though their faith may have been shaken by confusion or grief. These men were trying to understand the truth of what had happened.

Yes, Jesus listens, but Jesus is not seeking to change, but to change those whom he encounters. Whether that is to heal, forgive, or strengthen.

In none of these examples do I see a comparison between those who are seeking truth and those who desire to change what is objectively true (as though they can).

This is all a waste of time and one of three things will come of this “synodal way.” 1. It will give hope to those who that those who want to change the Church will get their way and they will become very angry when they do not get their way. 2. They will get their way and the weak Bishops will pretend to be ignorant of the truth. 3. Nothing will happen. This is all a waste of everyone’s attention.

So why do I care so much? Because I left the Church for a fluffy non-Denominational Church. One that was welcoming of everyone and that rarely challenged anyone as Christ challenged those He encountered. Thankfully, however, God lead souls into deeper relationship with Him and did not affirm me in my materialistic attractions. As my faith matured, He called me back to the depth and beauty of the Catholic Christian Church, only to find that she is being perverted by neighboring entities.

I compare it to leaving home and going off to College, losing your way, and then coming home to what you recall being a stable foundation, only to find your parents engaging in an orgy with neighboring couples! Disappointed? Yes. Confuses? For sure. Angry? You bet. Saddened? All of these emotions is what I am feeling when it comes to the Synod of Synodality.